When Tyra Banks graced the world in December 4th of 1973, it never looked as if she was cut out for fame and fortune. She grew up in an environment that appreciated her beauty in no way, often being referred to as an ugly duckling. As Banks was entering the challenging college phase, Elite Model Management got her to showcase her modeling prowess. After a couple of setbacks, she finally found her way through the elite model circle and never looked back. At present, people know Banks as the supermodel who brought "America's Next Top Model" to blockbuster status with the very same charm both designers and the world got addicted to when she was still reigning the catwalk.
Aside from modeling and producing, Banks also tried acting in movies (the most unforgettable of the lot being 2000's "Coyote Ugly") and TV ("Felicity", "MADtv"), and also had a short stint in recording, which produced a not-so-successful first single called "Shake Ya Body".